Information Science at University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,664/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Information Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $756K $734K $605K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.3x 15.8x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.4x 8.1x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 68% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,332
Out-of-state: $90,180 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,900
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,204
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,664 per year, Information Science graduates from University of South Carolina-Upstate earn below the $59,433 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Information Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Information Science's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #67 of 129 Information Science programs, University of South Carolina-Upstate falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $76,204 show a 57% jump from the $48,664 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of South Carolina-Upstate

University of South Carolina-Upstate accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,008 in Spartanburg, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 45% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Upstate →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Information Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of South Carolina-Upstate

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Information Science at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
This program scores 72/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Information Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Information Science careers?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $604,906 in decade earnings vs $755,577 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Information Science from University of South Carolina-Upstate?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →